In Memoriam: Betty Garrett (May 23, 1919 - February 12, 2011)

(photo credit: Chris Kane Photography)

Dear Betty Garrett, one of our greatest performers, passed away in the early morning of February 12. Empress of Theatre West, and star of stage, screen and television, Garrett delighted us all with her lovely performances for the last 60-70 years. In May 2009 she celebrated her 90th birthday and in the photo above appeared in the 2010 S.T.A.G.E. benefit entitled Original Cast. I feel honored to have interviewed her twice, once for LA Stage Magazine when she remounted Spoon River Anthology at Theatre West in the early part of this decade and again when she played a role created especially for her by Dan Goggin in Theatre West's production of Nunsense in 2005. What a trooper! We love you, Betty! Thank you for your passionate inspiration! Godspeed!

( @ Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's September, 2009 for Katherine Hopkins Nicholas in cabaret;

left to right: Betty Garrett, Jane Kean, Katherine Hopkins Nicholas, Carol Lawrence, Don Grigware)

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Check out my old interview with Betty on my Interview site!

Click Interviews above right!